Ham Rolls With Orange Rice
Ham rolls with orange rice offer a delightful combination of savory ham, sweet mandarin oranges, and zesty orange marmalade, all wrapped in tender rice seasoned with ginger. Perfect for parties or family dinners, this dish balances bright flavors with satisfying textures.
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cups orange juice ⓘ
- 2/3 cup raw rice ⓘ
- 2 (11 oz.) cans mandarin oranges, drained and chopped ⓘ
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons chopped parsley ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions ⓘ
- 16 slices ham ⓘ
- 1/2 cup orange marmalade ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger ⓘ
Instructions
- Bring orange juice to a boil in a pot.
- Lower heat and add raw rice to the boiling orange juice.
- Cook, covered, for 20 to 30 minutes or until rice is tender.
- Combine chopped mandarin oranges with cooked rice and mix with mayonnaise, chopped pecans, chopped parsley, and chopped green onions.
- Spoon the orange rice mixture onto slices of ham and roll them as tightly as possible.
- Place the ham rolls in greased baking dishes with the seam side down.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. If you're short on time, leftover rice can be a quick substitute. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can give the orange rice a nice kick. This dish is perfect for gatherings, and you can also try adding diced bell peppers for extra crunch.
Serving Suggestions
These ham rolls are delightful as a party appetizer or a light lunch. Pair them with a fresh garden salad or the robust flavors of Picnic Baked Beans for a complete meal. You can also serve them with a tangy dipping sauce, such as a sweet chili or a balsamic glaze, to enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover ham rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for a quick option, but be careful not to overheat to maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham Rolls With Orange Rice contains roughly 106 calories, with 4g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value) and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of meat instead of ham?
Yes, you can substitute turkey or chicken slices for a lighter option. Thinly sliced roast beef would also work well, providing a different flavor profile. Just ensure that the meat you choose is pliable enough to roll without tearing.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ham with roasted or grilled vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant, and use a plant-based mayonnaise. You might also consider using a rice paper wrapper for a fresh twist.
Can I prepare the orange rice in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the orange rice a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to let it cool completely before sealing it in an airtight container. When ready to serve, combine it with the other ingredients and roll it into the ham slices.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).